Each week, we list some ways to get engaged in the city β whether thatβs protesting, organizing with your neighbors, or testifying before your councilmembers. This isn't an exhaustive list; share your events and trainings with us at 51st.news/submit-events.
For more ways to get connected, check out our resources roundup; and for more to do around the city, don't miss our Weekend Events post.
ONGOING
Street Sense Media pre-winter donation drive Our friends at D.C.'s street newspaper are collecting items to prepare their vendors and clients for the cold season. They're looking for clothing items like T-shirts, hoodies, and jackets; personal care items including soap, shampoo, and toothpaste; and other essentials including hand warmers, blankets, towels, umbrellas, laundry detergent, and gift cards. You can mail your donation to 1317 G St. NW, or drop it off there yourself!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20
Free DC Popular Education meeting β° 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. π Zoom Free DC's Popular Education group works to organize panels and teach-ins and to support educational opportunities across the city. If you'd like to be a part of that work, join this virtual meeting. RSVP here.
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22
"Chocolate City" film screening β° 7 p.m. π Bol Coop Bookstore (716 Monroe St NE Studio 11) The Claudia Jones Film Club is hosting a free screening of the 2007 film "Chocolate City," which depicts the rapid gentrification of D.C. through the lens of local women trying to preserve their neighborhood. A short discussion will follow the screening. You can RSVP here.
DC Palestinian Film & Arts Festival β° Friday, October 23 - Sunday, October 25 π Various locations For the 15th year, the DC Palestinian Film & Arts Festival is returning, with a weekend full of films, discussions, and workshops. The festival kicks off Friday at the Angelika Theater pop-up in Union Market with a screening of "Who Killed Alex Odeh?" and a post-screening discussion. See the full calendar of events and buy your tickets here.
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24
Free DC Wheatpasting β° 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. π Youebe Cafe (3500 14th St NW) Free DC's Ward 1 wheatpasting group will be hitting up polling locations to remind folks how to protect their vote. They are meeting at Youebe Cafe for drinks and mingling beforehand. A wheatpasting recipe will be sent to those who RSVP, but they'll also have some on hand. RSVP here and bring a friend.
The Clothesline Project DC β° 12 - 4 p.m. π Alethia Tanner Park (3500 14th St NW) My Sister's Place, the D.C. nonprofit supporting survivors of domestic violence, is hosting an afternoon of art, healing, and solidarity to mark Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The centerpiece of the afternoon will be a Clothesline Project where participants will decorate and hang t-shirts with messages of strength and resilience. The event is free, and open to all ages.
Community Safety Fair 2026 β° 1 - 3 p.m. π DC History Center (801 K Street NW) The DC Justice Lab is inviting community members to hear from participants of their Training Academy β an intensive training in policy advocacy β as they present their visions for a more safe and just D.C. Stop by any time during the event to speak with people working to change public safety in the city. Reserve a spot here.
Friends of Anacostia Park Harvest Festival β° 12 - 10 p.m. π Anacostia Park Skating Pavilion (1500 Anacostia Dr SE) Anacostia Skate is closing out their 7th year of Late Skate with a special autumnal bash β featuring boat rides, music, games, a pumpkin patch, live go-go karaoke, and more. The first 200 kids under 12 will get a free pumpkin! No RSVP required.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25
Pumpkins for Palestine β° 2 -4 p.m. π Alethia Tanner Park (227 Harry Thomas Way NE) For the third year, DC 4 Palestine will be carving and decorating pumpkins to display solidarity with Palestine. They'll have a few pumpkins for grabs (donated by Cox Family Farms) and carving supplies, but participants are encouraged to bring their own and a BDS-approved snack to share.
Street Law 101 β° 2 - 5 p.m. π Black Workers and Wellness Center (2500 Martin Luther King Ave SE) A collection of D.C. organizations, including Black Lives Matter D.C., Stop Terror Police Project, Black Swan Academy, and more, are hosting a workshop with and for Black youth. They'll cover what to do during interactions with law enforcement, how to protect yourself, and how to look out for friends. Food will be provided. RSVP here.
Colleen is a 51st co-founder and a former DCist reporter. Her work has appeared in NPR, Street Sense Media, and The Washington Post. She currently lives in New York, where she's pursuing an MFA.
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